This is my quest, to do fifty things I have never done before in the year I turn the big 5-0! Check back to see what new things I have accomplished this year...

What shall I do?

I know I want to run a 5k and half marathon. Okay, so I want to run, but I will end up power walking instead. Maybe try out some new ethnic cuisines. Travel to some new spots. Try some new classes. Support a new charity. Some may be exciting adventures, some may be boring. I welcome your suggestions for something new to try.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

#6 - OK...so it's kind of gross, but...

The sixth new thing I have tried is nothing exciting. In fact it is rather gross. If you don't like gross, stop reading. Ok, you're still reading. You've been warned so now it is your own fault. Today I finally tried the Neti Pot. Those who know what a Neti Pot is are saying ew....those who don't are about to.

I have had daily allergies for years now. Several times a year I also get sinus infections. When we get what's called an inversion here in the Salt Lake Valley, it traps all the pollution and the fine particles just drive me nuts. I first saw a Neti Pot on Oprah and have seen it on many shows since. Everyone who uses it raves about it. But it has always scared the heck out of me. I mean, really scared the heck out of me. So much so, that I bought one a year ago and have never been brave enough to use it.

The Neti Pot looks like a little watering can. You fill it with warm water and solution. You then tip your head forward and to the side and pour the contents up one nostril so that it flows out the other. Yes, you pour the water through your nose! It is supposed to clean away the allergens in your nose so that it doesn't irritate it. Many people who use them say they work so well they no longer take any medications.

Now, I am a Pisces and love being in the water. But I hate two things, water splashed in my face, which is why I take baths instead of showers, and water in my nose, which is rarely why you see me swim underwater. Pouring water into my nose is terrifying. I get that drowning feeling whenever water gets up my nose. I feel panicked when I get water up my nose. Did I mention how much I hate water in my nose?

I had a fear to conquer. And conquer it I did. It wasn't as bad as I thought. It was still awful, but not terrifying. It felt just like when you get water up your nose when swimming. I can still feel a little bit of water up there somewhere, but it does feel fresher. I believe I will keep doing this in hopes of never getting a sinus infection again. So one fear conquered, but don't expect me to be holding frogs any time soon...